10 hottest music concerts this weekend: 2 – 4 June

From a Sex Pistol to a member of the Order of the British Empire: you are pretty spoiled for choice this weekend. It’s overflowing with great music concerts, but unfortunately, we only have time and space for ten. So here are the top ten music concerts happening around the UK this weekend.

1. UB40 in Bath, 2 June 2017

After almost 40 years and global smash hits like “I Got You Babe”, “Red Red Wine”, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, the boys from Birmingham are still entertaining audiences with their brand of reggae pop. The band has four Grammy Award nominations under the belt and sold more than 70 million albums worldwide. This makes them one of the planet’s best-selling music groups! Not too bad for a band that got their name from a document issued to people who claim unemployment benefit: Unemployment Benefit Form 40.

Get UB40 tickets to see them perform live in Bath at the Bath Racecourse on 2 June.

2. Simple Minds in Poole, 2 June 2017

Simple Minds have sold over 60 million albums and are the most commercially successful Scottish band of the ‘80s. Their global breakthrough came with the release of the soundtrack to the 1985 film, The Breakfast Club. Its closing track, “Don't You (Forget About Me)” was recorded by Simple Minds – although it was first offered to Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry! Lucky for them, they agreed to record the track which got to number one in numerous countries around the globe.

The band will perform in Poole at the Lighthouse on 2 June. Get Simple Minds tickets to not miss out on the action.

3. Phil Collins in Liverpool, 2 June 2017

Phil Collins needs no introduction. This singer, songwriter and instrumentalist made a name for himself with the band, Genesis. But Phil also has an illustrious solo career, spanning over 38 years. He and Paul McCartney are the only two musicians who have sold more than 100 million albums both as solo artists and independently as primary members of a band. Phil has won an Academy Award, a Disney Legend Award, two Golden Globe Awards, six Brit Awards, and seven Grammy Awards.

Two years ago, Phil Collins announced his return to the music industry after taking a four-year break. He will perform live again for the first time in 10 years. His show in Liverpool at the Liverpool Echo Arena kicks off his 2017 European tour. Don’t miss out. Get your Phil Collins tickets now!

4. Brand New Heavies in Glasgow, 3 June 2017

This successful acid jazz and funk band have released ten studio albums since their inception in 1985. Brand New Heavies revealed a desire to release a 2017 follow-up to their pioneering 1992 album, Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1. They’ve also been touring extensively since July last year, with Sulene Fleming on lead vocal duties.

Get Brand New Heavies tickets to catch them live in Glasgow at the Kelvingrove Bandstand on 3 June.

5. Elton John in London, 3 June 2017

Sir Elton John is a distinguished musician who has sold more than 300 million albums over his career of five decades. He is one of the best selling artists on earth. His tribute – “Candle in the Wind” – to the late Diana, Princess of Wales remains the best-selling single in the history of the British and American charts. Elton has won a Tony Award, a Disney Legends Award, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, five Brit Awards, and five Grammy Awards.

Fresh out of the hospital after being treated for a bacterial infection last month, Elton John will be back on stage to resume his world tour. Catch him live in London at the Twickenham Stoop Stadium on 3 June. Get Elton John tickets before it’s too late!

6. Paul Heaton in Hull, 3 June 2017

With a cheerful ear for melody and a honey-toned voice, Paul Heaton is arguably one of the finest British songwriters. Paul made a name for himself in the early ‘80s as a vocalist for The Housemartins, after spending some time hitchhiking through Europe. He then went on to form the commercially successful, The Beautiful South. Paul’s solo career started in 2001, which has seen him release six albums.

Get Paul Heaton tickets and catch him live in Hull at the KC Stadium on 3 June.

7. Public Image Limited in London, 3 June 2017

PiL was formed in 1978 by John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten), after the break-up of the highly influential Sex Pistols. John wanted to explore more experimental sounds like dub noise and progressive rock. PiL’s second album, Metal Box is often considered as one of the most authoritative and demanding albums of the post-punk era. In 2015, PiL released their tenth studio album, What the World Needs Now...

Witness the mighty PiL live in London at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on 3 June. Public Image Limited tickets.

8. Chaka Khan in Glasgow, 4 June 2017

The Queen of Funk began her career in the early 70s as the voice of the band, Rufus. Today, she is considered as one of the greatest women in rock ‘n’ roll. She was also the first R&B singer to release a cross-over hit song, “I Feel For You” – which features the rapper, Grandmaster Melle Mel. It became her biggest hit to date.

Get your Chaka Khan tickets and find out just why she’s won ten Grammy Awards and sold over 70 million albums worldwide. Chaka Khan will perform in Glasgow at the Kelvingrove Bandstand on 4 June.

9. Rick Wakeman in Canterbury, 4 June 2017

After quitting his studies at the Royal College of Music in 1969, Rick Wakeman became a full-time session musician. He features on songs that were recorded for artists like T. Rex, David Bowie, Cat Stevens, Elton John and more. But he’s probably best known for being the keyboard player and songwriter in the prog rock band, yes. Rick has released more than 90 solo albums and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

He will perform a solo show in Canterbury at the Marlowe Theatre on 4 June. Rick Wakeman tickets.

10. Minus the Bear in Newcastle Upon Tyne, 4 June 2017

Minus the Bear have just released their sixth studio album, Voids – their first in five years. This indie rock band from Seattle is currently touring to promote its release. Known for their sophisticated time signatures and infectious dance grooves, Minus the Bear is sure not to disappoint.

Catch them live in Newcastle Upon Tyne at the Riverside on 4 June. Get your Minus the Bear tickets.